Spotsylvania - Potomac Local News

Infant Dies After Being Left in Vehicle

Published May 21, 2026 at 10:04PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

The child’s mother was with the infant inside a nearby business when first responders arrived. Fire rescue crews rushed the baby to Mary Washington Hospital, but the infant was later pronounced deceased.

According to the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, investigators determined the child had been left in a car seat inside a vehicle for an extended period while the mother was at work. The vehicle was not running and the heat index was high at the time. The 42-year-old mother from Stafford County was arrested and charged with child endangerment and child abuse. She was taken to the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Valentine’s Craft Market Returns to Mall

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 5, 2026 at 7:00AM

Spotsylvania Towne Centre will host a three-day Valentine’s-themed craft and vendor market next month, bringing together local artisans, small businesses, and specialty vendors for a weekend of shopping and community support.

The Fredericksburg Valentine’s Craft and Vendor Market runs Friday, February 13, through Sunday, February 15, 2026, inside the shopping mall near Fredericksburg. Shoppers can browse handmade goods, specialty items, sweet treats, and unique gift ideas tied to Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day celebrations, according to event organizers.

Spotsylvania Schools Go Remote Two Days

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 30, 2026 at 6:07PM

[Submitted Photo].

Families were advised to check their email for additional details about Code 3 operations during the two-day remote learning period.

Child Pornography Arrest

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 2:06PM | Updated January 25, 2026 at 2:23PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

A man was arrested in Spotsylvania County following a tip about child sexual abuse material.

Deputies with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit executed a search warrant on January 22 at a home on Wilderness Park Drive after a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators say they seized multiple electronic devices containing images of child sexual abuse. A 40-year-old man was arrested and charged with six counts related to possession and distribution of child pornography. He is being held without bond.

Arrest made in deadly Courthouse Road hit-and-run

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 12, 2026 at 7:00AM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

“Sheriff Roger L. Harris and the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office extend their deepest condolences to Mr. Anwar’s family and friends during this difficult time,” the office stated. “Their cooperation played a vital role in advancing this investigation and bringing justice for Sameer Anwar and his family.”

The crash occurred late Jan. 9 on Courthouse Road, where deputies found Sameer Anwar, 20, of Spotsylvania, deceased at the scene. Investigators say the SUV involved fled after the initial impact, while a second vehicle remained on scene and cooperated. On Jan. 10, Bryce Littlejohn, 24, of Spotsylvania, was arrested and charged with felony hit and run resulting in death, felony grand larceny, and misdemeanor reckless driving. He was remanded to the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

VDOT: Overnight Lane Closures Set for Route 1 at Falmouth Bridge, Plus Chatham Bridge Sidewalk Closure

By Potomac Local News

Published December 12, 2025 at 10:58AM

Photo: VDOT

“Scheduled lane closures for road work in the Fredericksburg, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas, weather permitting. For updated information, check 511Virginia,” Virginia Department of Transportation announced. “Sunday – Thursday, 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Alternating lane closures on Route 1 northbound and southbound at the bridge over the Rappahannock River for pothole patching and spot concrete repairs.”

“A portion of Route 644 (Rock Hill Church Road) at Aquia Creek in Stafford County will close starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, through the morning of Monday, Dec. 22, for the removal of several trees, ahead of an upcoming project,” Virginia Department of Transportation stated. “Through traffic will be detoured during the road closure.”

Driver Killed in Early Morning Crash on Courthouse Road

By Potomac Local News

Published December 10, 2025 at 8:36AM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

Deputies arrived around 4:20 a.m. to find a 2008 Nissan Titan that had veered off the roadway and struck a tree. Investigators believe the vehicle initially left the right side of the road, crossed back over, and then hit the tree. The driver, Saul Amaya Argueta, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the incident.

Spotsylvania to Add Weapons Detection Systems to All Seven Middle Schools

By Potomac Local News

Published December 10, 2025 at 8:31AM

“On Monday night, the board voted to purchase Evolv weapons detection systems for the county’s seven middle schools,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “The action was part of the consent agenda — a list of items typically approved wholesale without discussion. The board voted 4-0 to approve the $1 million purchase, with board members April Gillespie and Lisa Phelps absent for the final meeting of their tenures.”

The division previously installed Evolv scanners at all five high schools, along with the Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center and the John J. Wright Educational and Cultural Center. The expansion follows heightened security measures this fall after a shooting involving juveniles and threats made against school leaders.

Spotsylvania Schools Dismiss Early as VDOT Tracks Changing Road Conditions

By Potomac Local News

Published December 8, 2025 at 2:58PM

Spotsylvania County Public Schools announced a two-hour early release Monday as light snow continued across portions of the region, prompting a full mobilization of Virginia Department of Transportation crews.

The National Weather Service reported that while snow has been breaking apart north of Fredericksburg, it continues to hold together in a band stretching from Harrisonburg to the Fredericksburg area. Higher elevations and the southwestern corner of Spotsylvania County have seen the most persistent snowfall, though warm pavement temperatures kept major routes mostly wet rather than snow-covered.

Hydroplaning named as cause of I-95 in Spotsylvania crash

By Potomac Local News

Published December 4, 2025 at 11:49AM

Three people were hurt in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 in Spotsylvania County on the morning of December 2. The crash happened around 8:54 a.m. on the southbound side of the highway near the 120-mile marker, according to Virginia State Police.

Investigators say the crash started when a Nissan Kicks hydroplaned on wet pavement and struck a guardrail. The Kicks then spun out and collided with a Toyota Highlander, which was subsequently hit by a tractor-trailer.